November 22, 2009
“ Ours is essentially a tragic age, so we refuse to take it tragically. The cataclysm has happened, we are among the ruins, we start to build up new little habits, to have new little hopes. It is rather hard work: there is now no smooth road into the future: but we go round, or scramble over the obstacles. We’ve got to live, no matter how many skies have fallen.
Lady Chatterly’s Lover. This is the first paragraph of the book. You had me at hello, Mr. Lawrence. •
November 12, 2009
“ For a regular user like me, it generates a lot of frustration,” she said. “It’s a reflection of the violence of our society and it’s outrageous: the Vélib’ is a public good but there is no civic feeling related to it.
French Ideal of Bicycle-Sharing Meets Reality - NYTimes.com •
October 29, 2009

Feel-good music for a grey day. N’Kosi Sikeleli Africa- With Miriam Makeba (via Duncanzibar)

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October 22, 2009
“ Mr. von Trier has said that making the movie helped him overcome a crippling depression. I’m glad he feels better.
AO Scott is the NYT’s best. QED. Movie Review - Antichrist - In Satan’s Church, an Eden Besieged - NYTimes.com •
October 21, 2009

AdFreak: Burnett moved to poetry in McDonald’s spot

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October 5, 2009
Goal: Channel 60s/70s Martha (I know!) a little more often. - via s3.amazonaws.com

Goal: Channel 60s/70s Martha (I know!) a little more often. - via s3.amazonaws.com

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October 4, 2009

The Last Take-Out Supper

Jesus agreed to send out for Chinese.

Styrofoam containers were placed before

the Disciples. All received two egg rols.

Mark taught Luke how to work the chopsticks.

James overturned his hot and sour soup.

Matthew and John each got one wonton.

Thomas wouldn’t share his mu-shoo pork

As typically happens, the rice was cold,

the tea boiling hot. Simon burned his tongue.

Jesus made brief remarks about the future.

Peter received a fortune but no cookie.

Judas got a cookie without a fortune.

Outside, the soldiers marched past unheard -

often the case when one is having fun.

- - - Stephen Dobyns from Mystery, So Long

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“ The theme of luck brings us back to the main point: Anyone who appreciates big cities should always love Chicago, but best of luck to Rio.
From the same post; my apologies, but James Fallows is good enough to deserve a few quotes in a row. Olympic notes: good for Rio - James Fallows •
“ Obama was in a no-win situation about his personal lobbying. The other candidate chiefs of state had also made personal pitches. If he hadn’t made the trip and Chicago lost, you can imagine today’s right-wing theme being: he didn’t care enough about his country even to try. (Probably because it’s not really his country. Now, if Kenya had been a finalist…) Since he did make the trip, the theme is: what a loser.
Olympic notes: good for Rio - James Fallows •
September 28, 2009
U.S. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama With World Leaders at the Metropolitan Museum in New York (via U.S. Department of State)…. HOW NATTY IS THE PRESIDENT OF ESTONIA? I die.

U.S. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama With World Leaders at the Metropolitan Museum in New York (via U.S. Department of State)…. HOW NATTY IS THE PRESIDENT OF ESTONIA? I die.

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